Patents by Inventor Glen R. Sumner

Glen R. Sumner has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10260666
    Abstract: A fluid conduit that is below grade or under water is separated from ambient water by a confined layer of liquid that may be largely undivided by solids. The separation distance between the liquid containment means and the piping or pipeline is such that the total heat transfer by natural convection and conduction from the piping or pipeline to the water containing environment is kept within limits thought necessary to adequately insulate the contents of the pipeline. A liquid may be pumped between the pipe and the means for containing the insulation so as to displace fluids from a pipeline or a heated liquid may be pumped through that space to warm the contents of the pipeline. If the insulating liquid also electrically insulates the pipe, then the pipe may be heated by passing a current directly through the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Inventor: Glen R. Sumner
  • Publication number: 20170074446
    Abstract: A fluid conduit that is below grade or under water is separated from ambient water by a confined layer of liquid that may be largely undivided by solids. The separation distance between the liquid containment means and the piping or pipeline is such that the total heat transfer by natural convection and conduction from the piping or pipeline to the water containing environment is kept within limits thought necessary to adequately insulate the contents of the pipeline. A liquid may be pumped between the pipe and the means for containing the insulation so as to displace fluids from a pipeline or a heated liquid may be pumped through that space to warm the contents of the pipeline. If the insulating liquid also electrically insulates the pipe, then the pipe may be heated by passing a current directly through the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventor: Glen R. Sumner
  • Patent number: 6182705
    Abstract: An improved, cost-effective, insulated flexible pipeline that is insulated with a bituminous composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Glen R. Sumner
  • Patent number: 6155305
    Abstract: An improved, cost effective, insulated pipeline suitable for use in water or below grade, that is insulated with a bituminous composition unmodified or modified with filler, extenders or other materials or structures to improve the dimensional stability of the bituminous composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Glen R. Sumner
  • Patent number: 6092557
    Abstract: A pipeline comprising pipe with a bituminous composition laminated onto a surface thereof and mechanical means for preventing the pipe from moving under its weight relative to the composition, the composition being applied to a thickness that will substantially inhibit heat transfer between the contents of the pipeline and the environment, wherein the means for keeping the pipe from moving through the insulating composition is a sleeve positioned along the pipeline, and adjacent to the insulating composition, the sleeve being held in a fixed position relative to, and spaced away from the pipeline by mechanical means that contact the pipe and the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Glen R. Sumner
  • Patent number: 6049657
    Abstract: A marine pipeline comprising (a) pipe, (b) a coating that electrically insulates the pipe from sea water, and (c) an alternating current heating circuit comprising the pipe in series with ambient sea water, wherein the heat generated by alternating current flowing in the pipe is for improving flow of fluids through the pipeline. A marine pipeline comprising: a) pipe, b) a coating that electrically insulates the pipe from ambient sea water, and c) an alternating current heating circuit that is grounded to the ambient sea water and comprises the pipe in series with a return conductor, wherein the heat generated by the alternating current flow in the pipe is for improving flow of fluids through the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Glen R. Sumner
  • Patent number: 5871034
    Abstract: An improved, cost-effective, insulated pipeline or assembly of pipelines suitable for use in water or below grade, that is insulated with a bituminous composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: Glen R. Sumner
  • Patent number: 5476343
    Abstract: An improved thermally insulated, impact and abrasion resistant pipeline and an impact resistant, flexible, cementitious material which maintains low thermal conductivity when submerged and which is suitable for insulating underwater pipelines, said material comprising:hydraulic cement, a closed cell aggregate which exhibits low water absorption under high hydrostatic pressure and a polymeric modifier which increases flexibility and reduces porosity of the cured cementitious material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Inventor: Glen R. Sumner
  • Patent number: 4076130
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for mounting a coupling member over the end of a pipe in a subsea location where the pipe is being supported in cantilevered fashion. The apparatus includes a frame arranged for lowering to and mounting generally adjacent the pipe end and with the frame supported on the seabottom. It includes a beam connected to the frame arranged to extend generally longitudinally over the pipe for supporting the coupling member. A carriage is mounted on the support means for longitudinal travel thereon. The carriage has connection means for holding the coupling member therebelow. The apparatus includes means for raising and lowering the coupling member relative to the frame and the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1978
    Assignee: HydroTech International, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen R. Sumner